The Role of Patron Women in the Development of Architecture in the Timurid and Safavid Eras

Architecture is the focal element in the development of the art of Persia; it specifically flourished in the Timurid and Safavid era and therefore is of elevated significance. The remains of these periods indicate the measureless growth of Persian architecture splendor. A unique feature of the architecture of this period is the presence of women and their direct influence on the development of grand structures and monuments which is undistinguishable in other periods of Persian art. The focal aim of this paper is investigating the vigorous role of women in the architecture of the Timurid and Safavid eras and their manipulation in the imperial court. Hence, after a short introduction on the major characteristics of the Timurid and Safavid architecture, the talented innovative women and a number of architectural structures will be introduced.